Barret Hargrave, an Agricultural Education Teacher and Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor at Northeast High School, is the recipient of a Living to Serve: Developing a Habit of the Heart Grant sponsored by the National FFA. 

This federally funded program is designed to provide support to rural communities to develop, implement and evaluate community-based service-learning projects that meet an identified community need.  This year, the National FFA awarded a total of 35 grants to rural schools across the nation.  Hargrave is one of four winners in Louisiana.

Funds from the $9,992 award will be used to establish an arboretum at Northeast High School to feature native Louisiana trees and plants.  This project will provide an opportunity for high school and elementary students, teachers and members of the community to collaborate on the planning, planting and maintenance of the botanical garden.

Accepting the National FFA grant at Northeast High School are (pictured, left to right):  Northeast High School Assistant Principal Cathy McHugh, student Dylan Granger, Hargrave, Principal Jessie LeBlanc, Assistant Principal Marilyn Sanders and student Blake Albarez.  For information on the “Living to Serve” program please visit www.ffa.org/ltsgrants.